Complete Cleanup for Superfund Sites Required by New York State DEC

New remediation technologies make Superfund Site Cleanup cost-effective, fast, and feasible.

With the new year underway, as CEO of VeruTEK, I felt there was no better time for my inaugural blog. In addition, recent events in the field of environmental remediation, particularly brownfield clean up and development, provide further motivation for this discussion. At VeruTEK, I have the privilege of working with a talented team of professionals who developed one of the exciting new environmental cleanup chemistry technologies available in the industry today. We were very pleased with the recent announcement in New York of a U.S. Court of Appeals 5-2 decision to enforce a state Department of Environmental Conservation regulation to require environmental clean up to “pre-disposal conditions to the extent feasible.” This is in contrast to an opposing view that only “significant threats” need to be addressed.

While this court decision is a victory for communities in their efforts to require property owners to clean up toxic sites, Thomas Walsh, the lawyer for the companies, grouped under the name New York State Superfund Coalition, claimed a partial victory, saying the court left no doubt that “cost-effectiveness” should be a factor in deciding the thoroughness of cleanups.

Cost-Effective Technologies for Superfund Site Cleanup

Walsh’s reference to cost-effectiveness as a determining factor in the decision-making process opens the door for broader acceptance of new technologies in the remediation industry. As property owners are motivated, or obligated, to take more thorough cleanup action, they will be receptive to alternative technologies that are proven to be more cost effective, as well as environmentally friendly.

VeruTEK has successfully remediated multiple brownfield sites in the Northeast using its patented S-ISCO technology to achieve outstanding results in providing permanent destruction of contaminants and converting the sites to valuable development assets.

We applaud the U.S. Court of appeals decision and hope there is additional similar regulatory action to promote brownfield clean up and the expanded use of new, green remediation technologies.

 

New relationship with RME Environmental to Include EOR (Enhanced Oil Recovery) Products

VeruTEK® Extends Relationship with RME Environmental to Include Enhanced Oil Recovery Products, Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011

Environmental remediation and oilfield chemistry company, VeruTEK® Technologies, Inc. (VTKT), announced today that RME Environmental, a Texas-based technology implementation and consulting firm, has become a certified reseller of VeruTEK’s Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) product line.
“RME has worked with a number of oil producers and achieved improved productivity using VeruTEK’s EOR solutions. The VeruTEK chemistry has shown very strong results, and we look forward to expanding our visibility in the market jointly.”
RME currently is working with producers in the Gulf of Mexico region assessing VeruTEK’s EOR products for multiple oil & gas production applications including wellbore stimulation, augmented waterflood and slickwater fracturing.
VeruTEK has developed three EOR products for the oil and gas industry: VeruSOL T-500F, VeruSOL GCF, and VeruSOL SMWB1 are highly differentiated from chemical, gas and thermal processes currently used in oil recovery. These innovative EOR products were developed from VeruTEK’s patented chemical platform used to mobilize and recover heavy hydrocarbon tars for environmental remediation.
Launched in Q4 2010, VeruTEK’s EOR products have been used to significantly improve oil recovery in fields in Texas, Kansas, Montana, Louisiana and abroad, with production improvements ranging from 30% to greater than 1,000%.

RME Principal, Ken Goodman, said, “RME has worked with a number of oil producers and achieved improved productivity using VeruTEK’s EOR solutions. The VeruTEK chemistry has shown very strong results, and we look forward to expanding our visibility in the market jointly.”

Dan Socci, VeruTEK CEO, said: “Building on the success we have had in increasing oil production in initial field implementations, we are excited to expand our relationship with RME. They provide a unique understanding of EOR applications and opportunities which is essential to developing a strong EOR market for VeruTEK. RME has been successful in generating interest in VeruTEK products and processes among oil producers and, in a short period of time, has demonstrated impressive results in converting interest to field application.”

VeruTEK® Receives U.S. Patent for Innovative S-ISCO® Technology

VeruTEK® Technologies, Inc., a leader in innovative green chemistry, recently announced the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted Patent No. 7,976,241 B2 for its core platform, Surfactant-enhanced In Situ Chemical Oxidation (S-ISCO®). A field proven technology, S-ISCO has been implemented internationally on a broad range of sites during the past four years. This patent is the most recent USPO award of multiple pending patents relating to VeruTEK’s innovative time-released surfactant, oxidant, and catalyst technologies.

S-ISCO has enabled VeruTEK to create a new segment in the remediation industry. This technology delivers a more thorough solution than traditional chemical oxidation while avoiding the high cost, disruption and relocation of contaminants associated with excavation. S-ISCO is a chemical treatment process which uses biodegradable plant-based surfactants, in combination with oxidants and catalysts, to enhance contaminant destruction through oxidation. The S-ISCO process provides the unique benefit of releasing the source contaminant from the soil, making it easier to destroy.

In addition, S-ISCO technology enables improving oil well recovery by releasing heavy crude oil from the reservoir matrix and allowing it to flow toward the well. VeruTEK Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) applications include wellbore cleaning, near-field stimulation and augmented waterflood treatments.

The patent covers VeruTEK's S-ISCO process across several environmental cleanup applications including:

Use of surfactants and oxidants in combination for soil remediation, through simultaneous or sequential application

Application of S-ISCO chemistry in situ (injected into the subsurface)

Application of S-ISCO chemistry above ground in the process known as VeruTEK Surfactant-enhanced Ex Situ Oxidation (S-ESCO™)

Lab treatability studies involving the selection of surfactants and oxidants

Field optimization planning to develop site-specific implementation methodologies and chemistries

S-ISCO has been used to remediate sites polluted with coal tars, chlorinated solvents and a variety of petroleum products. This technology has also increased oil well productivity on multiple sites in the US. For further information, including case studies documenting successful S-ISCO remediated sites.

“At VeruTEK we utilize our core technology platform to create innovative, unique solutions which address environmental cleanup and oil production challenges, ” said, Dan Socci, Chief Executive Officer, VeruTEK. “The S-ISCO patent  is the culmination of years of development effort and field experience, further extending our technology leadership”

VeruTEK Receives U.S Patent for G-nZVI

VeruTEK worked jointly with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop and patent a  Green-synthesized nano-scale Zero Valent Iron (G-nZVI) catalyst.

This innovative product dramatically improves the performance of an oxidant during VeruTEK's patented Surfactant enhanced In Situ Chemical Oxidation (S-ISCO) remedial treatments for groundwater, soil and bedrock contamination.   G-nZVI can also be used with conventional ISCO treatments as a higher performance alternative to chelated iron activators.

GnZVI is differentiated by other chemical activators because it performs under a wide range of pH conditions, reacts quickly, requires no special handling or safety precautions and may be stored up to one year from time of synthesis.
During the green synthesis process iron salts are exposed to naturally reductive plant material, the resultant nanoscale particles are coated in iron oxide and plant polyphenols which confer advantageous  properties.  Research conducted by VeruTEK, the EPA and the University of Connecticut, published in peer reviewed journals, demonstrate the efficacy of the product and its unique chemical design.

Click here to read more about G-nZVI>>

Rate of Contaminant Destruction

Green Technologies: Photography and Art of Environmental Destruction

In an era where conspicuous visual signs of large scale soil and groundwater pollution have largely been eliminated by a more self conscious industry and soil and groundwater remediation efforts, artists have taken on a new role in the environmental movement by revealing the unseen effects of industrialization and soil and groundwater contamination.  They seek to inform the public by presenting what can only be seen at a distance through aerial photography or by transferring the unseen into a visual depiction through abstract art.

In the United States, legislation enacted during the environmental movement following the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962, such as the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act, greatly reduced the visibility of pollution.   While wastewater still contains harmful chemicals, oils and dyes that leave a distinctive visual mark on the environment have largely been eliminated from effluents. 

Events like Cuyahoga river fire of 1969 which sparked outrage and concern for the environment are unthinkable today and the effects of pollution less apparent.  While wildlife biologist, botanist and foresters remained concern over disappearing species and ecological shifts these comparatively subtle changes caused by unseen contaminants are not as effective at raising public awareness. 

BP undoubtedly was conscious of the power of a striking photograph when it chose to deploy more than 1.1 gallons of dispersants in response to Deep Water Horizon spill. These dispersants quickly pushed the oil beneath the water’s surface limiting the number of striking aerial photographs of the sheen could be taken or the number of oiled ducklings likely to be found on the front page.

J. Henry Fair, whose exhibit “Abstraction of Destruction” runs through February 11 at the Gerald Peters Gallery in Manhattan, wants to make sure the devastating effects of human consumption don’t go unnoticed.  His photographs, which include aerial shots from the deepwater horizon incident as well as wastewater effluent from paper mills and herbicides and fertilizers running off of factory farms, are strikingly and disturbing; "My idea is to make images that are beautiful and frightening at the same time," he told the New York Times.  Rather than pinning the responsibility for pollution on cooperate boogiemen he seeks to point out the role of every consumer in contributing to the effluence; “I don't want industries to be on the defensive.” he said, “I want us all to change our behavior".

Chinese expatriate and artist, Zhang Hongtu, has taken a different approach to presenting the environmental devastation he has witnessed in China.  Rivers that used to be clear and used for fishing and swimming just 50 years ago are now dyed various colors and polluted to the point of being toxic, other rivers have dried up completely.  His Mountain Waters Series presented in 2009 (and profiled here in Foreign Policy Magazine; http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/08/04/chinas_warhol_gets_dirty) are paintings which mimic the traditional style of the 12^th century painter Ma Yaun which depict idyllic oceans, mountains and rivers. Hongtu imitates Ma Yaun’s lines but rather than presenting pristine blue skies and oceans shows waters dyed purple from wastewater effluents and skies turned cloudy-grey with smog. He is clear about his arts purpose; "I try to raise questions with my art -- I do not often know the answers."

Sometimes the contrast of pollution art’s beauty and the reality of the subject is hard to reconcile "There is something beautiful in the color," Zhung Hontu said describing his dyed rivers, "but there is also something wrong with the beauty".

The role this beautiful and wrong art plays in the public debate is important now that pollution in the U.S. largely exist in forms invisible to the naked eye or in places tucked away from the affluent and influential and more dirty industries are outsourced overseas.  The scenes inspire a sense of awe at the power of our industrialized society to so severely distort the landscape; they continue the conversation that began at the dawn of the industrial age when William Blake first published The Tiger. 

Links to more Pollution Art:

J. Henry Fair

Harpers “Visions of Excess” http://harpers.org/archive/2007/08/0081633

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/10/19/industrial.scars/#cnnSTCText

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/14/arts/design/14earth.html

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/01/13/arts/20110114-earth-7.html

Zhang Hongtu

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2010/08/04/chinas_warhol_gets_dirty

Mary Taffe

Minnesota

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02/pretty-pollution-photos-show-depths-of-minnesota-lakes-environmental-distress-slideshow.php

http://www.treehugger.com/galleries/2010/02/pretty-pollution-photos-show-depths-of-minnesota-lakes-environmental-distress.php?page=9

Jimmy Pons

http://personal.telefonica.terra.es/web/chapapoweb/chapapoweb/iniciogb.htm

EPA Webinar and Green Nano Zero Valent Iron (G n-ZVI)

VeruTEK is excited to be featured in part of the no cost continuing education EPA CLU-IN webinar series tomorrow to learn more and attend:  

Topic:

Field scale Remediation Experience using Iron Nanoparticles and Evolving Risk-Benefit Understanding Sponsored by: U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division and Contaminated Land: Applications in Real Environments 

Time: December 14, 2010, 10:00 AM - 12:15 PM, EST (15:00-17:15 GMT) 

The webinars goal is to examine and learn from remediation projects where NZVI was utilized in field application. Topics discussed will include application, delivery, risks, regulatory buy-in and real time results. Risks and benefits of this technology will be discussed. Regulators and implementers share the webinar time followed by a question and answer session.

http://www.clu-in.org/conf/tio/nano-iron/

VeruTEK has news too! We were granted our patent for the use of green biosynthesis technique to form Green Nano Zero Valent Iron (G-nZVI)

VeruTEK Technologies®, in cooperation with the US EPA and University of Connecticut, developed a breakthrough green biosynthesis technique to form Green Nano Zero Valent Iron (G-nZVI) using natural plant extracts.  VeruTEK Technologies is excited to bring to market Gn-ZVI for soil and groundwater remediation which provides safe superior performance to traditional nZVI products.

For a limited time VeruTEK is offering special introductory pricing to increase market awareness and adoption. Please submit a site survey and forward to Morgan Jenkins at mjenkins@verutek.com or call 860-242-9800 ext 311

Oil Spill Treatment Product in Time for New EPA SPCC Regulations

VeruTEK Technologies is launching Spill Eraser oil spill treatement product just in time for a new round of EPA Regulations and inspection program.

New EPA Regulations for Petroleum Storage in Above-Ground Tanks

Some Key Facts:

• 1320 gallons is measured in all containers 55 gallons and over at the site.
• The petroleum storage area and the loading and unloading areas must be protected by secondary containment.
• The SPCC requires a written plan, certified by a Registered Professional Engineer.
• The SPCC requires a designated site person responsible for the implementation of the plan.
• All personnel involved in the handling of the petroleum must be trained.
• The EPA requires documentation for weekly tank inspections, training, etc.

EPA is launching a visitation program to perform SPCC Plan audits and Site inspection.

Inspections can consist of:

• Records review
• Review of the SPCC plan and training
• Demonstration by site personnel of mitigation procedures

VeruTEK Technologies is happy to announce our newest addition to our green chemistry line up. Spill Eraser is a plant based industrial cleaner made in the USA perfect for oil spill treatement / leaks and routine facility maintance.Be sure you have the safest most effective mitigation product for your leaks/spills.

Spill Eraser consists of a plant based surfactant and hydrogen peroxide without harmful byproducts.

Cleans surfaces including soil, gravel, asphalt and concrete.

No special equipment

No digging and hauling

No hazardous chemicals

No long waiting periods

                           Maintenance of Spill Prone Areas
SpillEraser™ degrades oil , diesel, or gas into a microemulsion  that is chemically oxidized  to carbon and water. Cleaning activity continues for up to 30 days without interrupting daily facility operations.

SpillEraser™ is non-toxic, safe to handle, and can be applied through standard spray equipment. Include as part of operation and maintenance activities to keep spill prone areas from becoming liabilities. Ideal for treating access limited areas and structures. Stains and odors are removed without the use of hazardous chemicals and eliminates the need for costly digging and hauling.

Click here to watch Spill Eraser Work!

 

Feel free to contact Jeff Ayers at 210-215-2460 for more information or technical assistance.

Soil and Groundwater Remediation Company seeking Marketing Temp/Intern

We are looking for a student intern (12-24 hrs a week) to join our emerging green chemistry company which provides proven, field implemented solutions for several industries and applications. Responsibilities include:

 

- Develop marketing deliverables under direction of experienced business development specialists
- Participate in development of marketing campaigns
- Lead follow up
- Data base search and reporting

email resume to mjenkins@verutek.com

Green Chemistry Company VeruTEK promotes "America Recycles Day"

Today, November 15^th is ‘America Recycles Day’ and leaders in green chemistry: VeruTEK is joining in the celebration.  While we spend each day working to clean up the environment, this is an opportunity that everyone can take part in.

From http://www.kab.org “Since 1997, communities across the country have come together on November 15 to celebrate America Recycles Day. More than a celebration, America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling programs in the United States. One day to inform and educate. One day to get our neighbors, friends and community leaders excited about what can be accomplished when we all work together. One day to make recycling bigger and better 365 days a year.”

We are currently recycling in house with single stream recycling of paper, plastic and cans. We are currently looking into ways implement more recycling. Have any office waste reduction tips? Help us continue or green mission.

Based on our broader vision and by popular demand from clients currently utilizing S-ISCO to remedy soil and groundwater contaimination we are launching our newest green product line up: VeruGreen Cleaning Products.

 

Press Release from Stamford, CT via ‘Keep America Beautiful’: http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pressreleases_11_12_10&AddInterest=1001

Green Technology Leader Names Dan Socci Chief Executive Officer

New From VeruTEK's Founder John Collins

All,

 

VeruTEK has offered, since its inception, exciting, breakthrough green chemistry solutions for the remediation of contaminated soils and ground water.  In the years since George and I developed our initial formulation and began our business development efforts, we have achieved substantial success in the remediation market.  And the valuable implementation experience we have gained has enabled us to maximize the benefits of our green chemistry solutions.

 

Our vision for the company was not limited to remediation, however; our vision was much broader.  We saw that our core competencies in green chemistry could nicely fit the growing opportunities in many expanding and diverse markets and that our excellence in which best align with our core competencies in green chemistry while continuing to expand our R & D would allow us to develop green chemistry solutions that could virtually eliminate the world’s dependencies in toxic, organic chemicals and compounds.

I am thrilled to report that we are now poised to succeed in our broader vision; we now have the products, solutions and infrastructure that will serve as our springboard to go-to-market successes.  Our positioning has been due in no small part to our ability to attract and retain an experienced Chief Operating Officer.  By bringing in Dan Socci as our COO a few months ago to focus on building the day-to-day business, I was able to focus more on our positioning and R & D strategies. 

 

Our combined efforts have succeeded so much that, effective immediately and with the complete support and concurrence of our Board of Directors, my primary objective will be to optimize the strategic direction of VeruTEK and fully realize our broader vision.  Going forward I will focus on developing relationships with key influencers, regulatory agencies and technology partners while also working to help VeruTEK fully exploit its R&D capabilities.

 

The positive experience I have had working with Dan and his background in maximizing the introduction and ensuring the operational performance of new technologies have convinced me that he is the right person to assume a greater leadership role. Dan’s responsibilities will now be to develop and execute our go-to-market, financial capitalization strategies. He will focus on optimizing our business performance, external and internal stakeholder relationships and increasing shareholder value.

 

To ensure the success of our new roles, I will become Founder and Dan will become Chief Executive Officer of VeruTEK Technologies, Inc. I look forward to focusing on the strategic aspects of our business and will work with Dan to ensure his smooth transition into the CEO position.  It is a great day for VeruTEK.

 

Best,

 

John Collins

Feel free to reach Mr. Socci at dsocci@verutek.com.